How to go from Bali International Airport to Ubud - By bus, Grab and taxi

Bali Airport - properly called I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, and also known as Denpasar International Airport - is the only air route into Bali. As Bali is a super popular destination, the airport can get busy at peak times. If you’re on your way to immerse yourself in the culture, practice yoga, or relax in Ubud, you’ll want to get on your way from Bali Airport to Ubud as quickly as possible.

This guide explores how to go to Ubud from Bali Airport depending on whether you need speed, a relaxing ride, or the cheapest possible option. We’ll also talk about the Wise card, a handy tool to have to save as you spend in IDR and 40+ currencies.

Can I go to Ubud directly from Bali Airport?

You can arrange a Bali Airport transfer to Ubud in advance, or set things up when you land. Bear in mind that traffic in and around the airport can be chaotic, so having plans already made may be reassuring. The key routes from Bali Airport are all by road - so you’ve got the basic choice of bus, taxi, grab or a pre-booked transfer service.

Here’s a summary of how to get from Bali Airport to Ubud by road - we’ll explore each option in more depth later.

Bali Airport to Ubud distance

The distance from Bali Airport to Ubud is about 37 kilometres. However, the drive times can seem very long due to congestion and slow roads. The trip is likely to take about 1.5 hours on average, but you could easily find it takes longer if you arrive at a peak time or are unlucky with the traffic.

If you arrive at the airport at the same time as several planes, even getting out of the car park can be sticky - so use the restroom, buy water and settle in to watch the world go by as you transfer to your Bali hotel. Ubud is a fabulous destination, and the journey is part of the adventure.

How to go to Ubud from Bali Airport?

You can get from Bali Airport to Ubud by road, either using a bus service if cost is your primary concern, or with one of the private vehicle options - a taxi, Grab or a prebooked chauffeur service. We’ll look at the Bali Airport to Ubud taxi fare options in a moment - but it’s worth noting that although the bus is the cheap choice, it’s pretty inconvenient from the airport. Planning a bit extra in your budget to get a car to Ubud may work out worth it in the end.

Bali Airport to Ubud by bus

Bali is not very well served for public transport unfortunately. There are several public buses from the airport but they do not get as far as Ubud directly. This means that while you can get away from the airport cheaply, you’ll still need to pick up another form of transport later. Not ideal, and definitely a high-hassle option.

If you’re really trying to cut costs, the most commonly recommended bus option is to use the private Kura Kura Bus service if you can. This bus drops off at the airport - but can not pick up passengers there unfortunately. This means that the pick up point is a mall about 15 minutes walk from the airport. The drop off in Ubud is Puri Lukisan Museum, a short walk away from Ubud Palace. This is certainly a cheap option - tickets are around 26 MYR each. However, the service only goes twice a day, leaving at 8:00 am and 14:00 pm from the Lippo Mall, which is in Kuta.

If your timing is spot on you can get the bus up to Ubud - but if not, a car may be your better bet.

Bali Airport to Ubud by Grab

Grab is a popular option to go from the airport to Ubud - in fact there’s even a Grab lounge inside the airport to give you somewhere to sit and relax while you wait for your car.

As with elsewhere the availability of cars and the costs associated depend on demand - you may need to wait a little while before your ride arrives. However, you’ll be able to pick a car to fit your whole party and your luggage, and you’ll know you’re going to be dropped off in the perfect place for you. Plus there’s no need to haggle with a taxi driver, worry about meter charges, or walk from an inconvenient drop off point. All in all, Grab can be a good option for customers looking for a reasonable cost and a low stress start to the holidays.

Bali Airport to Ubud by Taxi

You can get a standard taxi at Bali Airport by going to one of the taxi kiosks, telling them the destination and getting a ticket showing your car number. Costs depend on the destination - you can expect to pay around 100 MYR or more depending on the exact location you’re travelling to. You’ll get your taxi from the rank, to the left of the doors from arrivals.

Bear in mind that there are also taxi touts looking for business outside the airport, who should be avoided. Take the official taxis only - they should be metered, and should follow a direct route to your destination. The meter charges should be shown on the vehicle, and there are some surcharges based on destination which will be added to the final bill - usually about 50 IDR for Ubud.

Other than standard taxis you can also get a pre booked private transfer. In this case your driver will meet you at the airport holding your name on a board. They’ll wait even if your flight is delayed, which is reassuring, and you can pick the vehicle type and size to suit your party. The costs are relatively comparable to a taxi for a small vehicle, or you can get a minivan or bus for larger groups. While these options cost more, the per person charge can still be pretty economical.

Drive times are variable based on the traffic - assume at least 1.5 hours.

Travel from Ubud to Bali Airport

From Ubud to Bali Airport the main challenge you’re likely to have is timing the journey. As traffic can influence the time your trip takes, you’ll want to get advice from your hotel to know when to book your transfer to be at the airport in good time. Your hotel can also help to arrange your taxi if you don’t want to use a Grab.

The bus is also an option from Ubud to the airport, departing Puri Lukisan Museum at 11:00 am and 17:00 pm. The drive is likely to take at least 2 hours. Pre book your tickets in advance through a third party service like Klook so you've got the transport sorted.

Pay for transport, food, and shopping with the Wise card to maximise your MYR to IDR conversions

During your trip to Indonesia, you’ll need smart and cheap ways to make your money go further. Meet the Wise card.

You can open your Wise account online or in the Wise app to order your physical Wise card in the app for a low, one-time fee of 13.70 MYR, and receive it in about 5 working days. You’ll also get instant access to virtual Wise cards for use with Apple Pay or Google Pay. You’ll be able to add money in MYR and either convert right away to THB for spending, or let the card do the conversions for you.

In either case you get the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees. Plus, for those times when only cash will do, you can make some free ATM withdrawals of up to 1,000 MYR in Indonesia to get your rupiah for absolutely no Wise fees.

Get instant transaction notifications to your phone as you spend, top up your Wise account easily on the go, and manage your card in a few taps. No hassle, just simple, safe, and low cost spending in Indonesia and 150+ other countries.

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1. Klook - Ubud bus service
2. Bali airport transport page
3. Welcome Pickups